Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Locust tree?

\Lo"cust tree`\ [Etymol. uncertain.] (Bot.) A large North American tree of the genus {Robinia} ({R. Pseudacacia}), producing large slender racemes of white, fragrant, papilionaceous flowers, and often cultivated as an ornamental tree. In England it is called {acacia}. Note: The name is also applied to other trees of different genera, especially to those of the genus {Hymen[ae]a}, of which {H. Courbaril} is a lofty, spreading tree of South America; also to the carob tree ({Ceratonia siliqua}), a tree growing in the Mediterranean region. {Honey locust tree} (Bot.), a tree of the genus {Gleditschia} ) {G. triacanthus}), having pinnate leaves and strong branching thorns; -- so called from a sweet pulp found between the seeds in the pods. Called also simply {honey locust}. {Water locust tree} (Bot.), a small swamp tree ({Gleditschia monosperma}), of the Southern United States.